Portable electric flashlight



June 4, 1946. B. F. MULDOON 2,401,366

PORTABLE ELECTRIC FLASHLIGHT Filed Feb. 8, 1941 2 Shee'ts-Sheet 1 60b INVENTOR Ema/4K0 fim/vc/s M/mozw BY 5 Ai iORNEY Patented June 4, 1946 PORTABLE ELECTRIC FLASHLIGHT Bernard Francis Muldoon, Mountain View, N. J., assignor to Henry Hyman, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application February 8, 1941, Serial No. 377,983

. 22 Claims. 1

This invention relates to portable electric flashlights. In the main it is directed to a flashlight of the character described having a swivel head.

Certain features of my invention relate particularly to the swivel head and the support therefor, and in this connection among the objects. of this invention is the provision of a swivel head flashlight wherein the head may be rotated a full 180, if desired; wherein a novel, simple and highly effective friction drag device is employed to retain the head in any desired position; wherein the head may be accurately positioned to cast a beam of light either parallel or perpendicular to the axis of the casing; and wherein a minimum number of movable conductor elements is employed for leading current from the battery to the bulb.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a swivel head flashlight having the aforementioned characteristics and advantages, and which shall yet be economical to manufacture, rugged in construction, and eflicient in operation to a high degree.

Other features of my invention concern the electrical system and further objects are to provide a swivel head flashlight of the character described which may be used as an emergency tester of fuses; which is not susceptible to accidental short circuit; Which has an improved contact mechanism for insuring good electrical connection between the stationary and rotating parts of the flashlight; and which by employing a specially designed swivel head support as a conductor reduces the number of parts having solely an electrical function and simplifies the parts having combined mechanical and electrical functions.-

Further features of my invention pertain to the rear cap and additional objects are to provide a novel snap ring hanger and a metal rear cap which is insulated from the batteries but which causes a positive electrical contact to be made between the batteries and the electrical system.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a swivel head flashlight of the character described which has improved "means for supporting a belt hanger thereon.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exempli fled in the construction hereinafter described,

Fig. 5 is a rear view thereof with the swivel I head pointing sidewise and showing, in dotted lines, the opposite sidewise position of said head;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the flashlight in vertical section illustrating various details of the head, pivotal head support, cap and electric switch; a

Fig. '7 is a sectional view taken along the line 1-4 of Fig. 6 showing details of the head and. belt hanger mounting;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 88 of Fig. 6 and also showing the belt hanger mounting;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of Fig. 6 and showing the friction drag'connection employed to maintain the swivel head in any selected position;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the bottom assembly of the flashlight with the ring hanger in extended position; and

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line ll--H of Fig. 10;

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the flashlight there shown, constructed in accordance with my invention, comprises in general a tubular battery casing 20, a head assembly 2|,

a rear assembly 22, and an electrical system which includes a switch 23 and various parts. of the head and rear assemblies.

The battery casing The battery casing 20 comprises a hollow, open- I ended, cylindrical tube 24 fabricated from a inoldable insulating material, such as for example a.

phenol condensate. Projecting from the upper end of the tube 24 and integral therewith is a short annular ledge 25 (Figs. 7 and 8) which has an external diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of said casing and which is adapted to be employed in locating and positioning the head assembly 2 I. An integrally formed bridge 26 (Figs, 6, '7 and 8) interconnects oppositely disposed portionsof the ledge 25 and supports cer- 3 tain parts of the electrical system hereinafter to be described. A male thread 21 is molded around the lower end of the casing to receive the rear assembly 22. The casing is also provided with several recesses and apertures, hereinafter described in detail, which position and hold the head assembly and various elements of the electrical system. Disposed within the casing 24 is a suitable source of current supply, such as the batteries B which are preferably'of the type having an electrically non-conductive outer surface, such as a paper wrapper 28. If desired, suitable ornamentation, such as the beads 29 and 30, may be molded on the exterior surface of said casing.

The head assembly Supported on the top of the casing 24 is a die cast bracket 40 composed of an electrically conductive material, such as a zinc copper alloy, which may be subjected to minor shock, as for example that caused by accidental dropping of the flashlight, without breaking or becoming distorted. The upper portion of said bracket is generally of a clevis shape comprising two standards 4 and 42 integrally connected by a pair of curved webs 43 and 44 whose upper edges are shaped in a substantially circular outline. Depending from the lower edges of said webs are a pair of bulged portions 45 and 46 whose lower edges between them substantially define a circle, the inner side of which is disposed around the ledge 25 on the casing to position the head assembly 2| concentrically with respect to said casing. In addition to other functions hereinafter to be pointed out, said webs and bulged portions serve to stiffen and reinforce the standards so that they may better resist stresses imposed during usage.

Depending from the bracket 40, and preferably integral with the standards 4| and 42, are a pair of legs 41 and 48, one of which 41 is shorter than the other. Said legs are snugly received in oppositely disposed elongated recesses 49 and 50 which extend downwardly from the upper end of the casing. A plurality of holes two in the longer leg 48 and one in the shorter leg 41, are aligned with holes 52 in the casing, and rivets 53 received in said holes permanently secure the bracket 40 to the casing 24. It will be seen that by this construction I have so mounted the bracket that no shifting, rotational or teetering movement thereof can occur. A

Means is provided to rotatably support between the standards 4| and 42 a head 54 molded in the shape of a major spherical segment from suitable insulating material, as for example that employed in making the casing 24. Such means comprises a pair of aligned circular holes 55 (Figs. 6 and 9) disposed at opposite ends of a diameter of said sphere and equi-distantly spaced from the flat side of the head. Corresponding holes 56 are formed in the upper end of the standards 4| and 42, said holes being so positioned with respect to the upper curved edges of the webs 43 and 44 that when the head 54 is mounted between the standards, the outer surface of the head will barely clear the said upper edges of the webs. Rivets 58 fitted into the holes 55 and 55 pivotally support the head 54 on the bracket 40.

I also provide friction drag means to hold the head 54 in an adjusted position. Such means is preferably associated with the pivotal mounting means for the head and may comprise the normal slight enlargement in diameter or bellying which the rivets 58 undergo during heading. As seen by reference to Figs. 6 and 9, this alteration in contour oi. the rivets will cause same to engage the surfaces of either or both the holes 55 and 56 in a light frictional binding grip which is easily overcome by manual application of torque to the head 54, but which sufllces to hold the head against accidental rotational displacement. It may be noted that if a rivet 58 lightly frictionally engages only one of the adjacent holes 55 and 55, it should firmly frictionally engage the other of said holes.

The open end of the head 54 is provided with a transparent closure member 59 moulded from glass or a suitable transparent plastic material and adapted to serve as a lens. The said closure member 59 is provided with a forward cyllndrL cal plinth-like top portion extending from the head, and a male threaded shank 6| received in a corresponding female threaded portion at the open end of the head. An electric flashlight bulb 62 is supported in a metallic socket, such as the socket 63 (Figs. 6 and '7), attached to a metallic reflector B4. The said reflector is of parabolic shape, as is usual in the art, and the upper edge thereof is frictionally received in the inner annular surface 65' of the lens member 59 and held in position in the manner fully disclosed and described in my copending application Serial No. 287,239, filed July 29, 1939. A plurality of forvardly projecting nubs 65 may also be provided adjacent the circumference of the front face of the lens member 59 to guard the same against injury when the flashlight is stood on its head.

It should be noted that the upper edges of the bracket webs 43 and 44 are in the path of travel of the projecting top portion 60 and that movement of the head 54 is limited thereby to two extreme sidewise positions: approximately apart, and at least 90 each away from straight ahead position.

Although I have described the head 54 as a major spherical segment and the forward portion 50 of the lens as a circular plinth-like top, other shapes may be satisfactorily employed for these elements. In general, the lower portion 54a of the head should be a half of a surface of revolution cut by a plane including the axis of said surface, and the head should be pivoted to rotate about said axis. The upper portion 54b of the head is preferably a continuation of said surface, but in any event should not extend beyond an imaginary continuation of this surface so that when it is desired to rotate the head to the position shown in Fig. 5 the portion 54b will not strike the webs 43 or 44 and thus prevent angular movement. The upper edges of the webs 49 and 44 should substantially conform to and be slightly spaced from the surfac of revolution in order to provide a uniform clearance between the webs and head in all angular positions of the head. The forward part 50 of the lens may have two pertions 50a and 50b disposed on opposite sides of the head which project beyond the imaginary continuation of the surface of revolution, said portions serving to predeterminedly restrict rotational movement of the head by abutment with the webs 43 and 44.

The rear assembly The rear assembly comprises an outer metallic bottom cap 10 having a cylindrical portion ll of substantially the same diameter as the one-- mental rib 35, and a base I2 which is integrally joined to the side walls II by an annular, rearwardly projecting bead I3. Force-fitted in the cap I0 is a metallic screw sleeve I4, the threads of which mesh with the moulded threads 21 at the rear of the casing 24. Screw sleeve 14 also has an inwardly directed flange 15 at its rear end, on which rests a light channel-section, circular washer 18 fabricated from an inexpensive insulating material, as for example paper pulp or fibre board. The large end of a tapered helical battery compression spring 11 is seated in the base of said washer, the smaller end thereof engaging the bottom surface of the cup electrode of the rearmost cell B to thus resiliently press the series disposed cells against the bridge 26. The rear end of the spring 11 is also provided with a forwardly directed, centrally inclined leg 18 so disposed that when the cap is screwed on the casing the bottom of the spring 11 will be forcibly seated on the washer 16 and the leg 18 will be tightly pressed against an element of the electric system, hereinafter described, which is positioned at the rear edge of the casing 24.

In accordance with my invention I also provide a ring hanger 80 which is so constructed and arranged that it will automatically snap into a fiat position, concealed in the rear cap, when it is not in use. Said hanger comprises a circular segment of wire 8I (Figs, 2, 6 and 10) which lies, when in closed position, against the base 12 adjacent the bead 13. The ends of the ring are bent inwardly as at 82 for a short distance to provide sliding bearing 83, and are then straightened into alignment to form the pivoted axle portions 84. The ring 80 is shiftably and pivotally supported by a flat spring 05 riveted at one end to the interior of the cap and havinga leg 85 angularly disposed with respect to the body portion 81 of said spring. The said leg freely passes through a slot 88 in the base 12 and is provided at its free end with a crook 89 in which the axle portions 86 are pivotally supported. The body portion 81 of the spring is bent slightly away from the base 12 so as to constantly urge the crook 89 towards said base.

When it is desired to use the ring hanger, as, for example, when the flashlight 20 is to be hung from a hook, it is merely necessary to insert a thumb nail between the wire segment 8| and the head 13 thereby slightly raising the ring 80. The segment at may then. be grasped between the thumb and index finger and rotated 90 away from the base to the position shown in' Fig. 10. When the flashlight 20 is removed from the hook for use the segment BI is partially rotated so as to position the sliding bearing 83 between the crook 89 and the bead 13; i. e. to move the bearing slightly to the left of the dead center position shown in Fig. 10. The spring 85 will then urge the axle portions 84 downwardly and the bearings 83 will slide over the surface of the base 12 allowing the ring 80 to pivot about the axles 84 and automatically snap back to the closed position shown in Figs. 2 and 6.

The electrical system The electrical circuit between the batteries B of the bulb 62 constitutes the following elements:

Permanently attached to the rear interior end of the casing 24, by such means for example as a hollow metallic rivet 90 whose outer head is countersunk so as to lie below the surface of the threads 21, is a ferrule SI having its rear end 92 partly flanged over the bottom end of the casing 24 where a positive electrical contact is made with the upstanding leg 18 of the compression spring 11. The said flanged portion 92 terminates short of the threads 21 in order to prevent application 6 of electric potential to the rear cap 10. Also secured to the casing 24 and ferrule 8| by the rivet is a strip 93 of electrically conductive material disposed in a correspondingly longitudinal recessed groove 84 in the inner surface of the casin 24 so as not to interfere with the insertion or withdrawal of the batteries B.

Permanently attached to the upper end of the casing 24, and likewise disposed in the groove 94, is a second strip of electrically conductive material. The upper end of said strip 95 is supported on the casing and attached to the bracket 40 by one of the electrically conductive bracket securing rivets 53, and the lower end of said strip is secured to the said casing by another electrically conductive rivet 91. The bracket 40 is electrically connected to the upper shell of the bulb 82 by a pair of flat spring contact strips 88 which are held within the head by the rivets 58 and which resiliently engage the lower end of the socket B3.

A metallic switch member 23 interconnects the .strips 93 and 95 to thus complete the negative electrical circuit between the lowermost zinc electrode and the electric bulb 62. Said switch member comprises a manual control member 99 which is slidably mounted on a metallic casing I00 by means of a pair of tongues IOI which freely pass through a pair of parallel mating grooves (not shown) in the top wall I02 of the casing I00. A tab I03, integrally formed on theupper end of the casing I00, is attached to the casing 24 by the metallic rivet 91 which also electrically connects said casing I00 with the conductive strip 95. At the lower end of the casing I00 a second tab I04 is provided to attach the said metallic casing to the battery casing 24 by means of a rivet I05. However, the said switch casing is insulated from the conductive strip 03 through which said rivet I05 passes by means of an insulating washer I08 and an enlarged hole I06a in said strip.

Disposed below the top wall I02 of the switch casing I00 is a metallic strip I01 having a raised button portion I08 which projects through an aperture I09 in said top wall I02. The end portion of said strip is disposed between the tongues WI, and the middle portion of said strip is provided with a pair of spaced projections I I0 whose purpose will soon be apparent. Underlying the strip I01 is a metallic contact strip III which is held to the strip I01 and switch casing I00 by the tongues I0! which pass through notches (not shown) in the side edges of said strip I I I, and are folded over at the bottom to clamp the said contacting strip in the switch. A contact leg II2 projects from the rear end of the strip I I I and is doubled over so as to be resiliently pressed against the exterior surface of the flashlight casing 263, Disposed substantially centrally of the contacting stri III is a raised portion II3 which is maintained in resilient engagement with the strip I01, adjacent the projections I I0, by means of a pressure finger I I4 integral with the contact strip I II and compressed between said strip and the flashlight casing 24. The forward portion of the contact strip III underlies the portion of the strip I01 adjacent the button I 08 and is provided with a temporary contact finger I I5 adapted to engage the head of a metallic rivet I I 6, which is clinched to the contact strip 93. Another metallic rivet III, also clinched to the contact strip 93, is disposed on the exterior surface of the flashlight casing 26, within the switch casing I00.

It should be noted that the overturned portions of all the rivets, 53, 91, H6 and H1, lie within the recess 94 to thus avoid accidental by- 7 passing of the switch 23 by a cell having an electrically conductive exterior wall. I

The operation of the switch 23 is as follows:

When the actuating member 99 is in its lowermost or locked "01! position, as shown in Fig. 6, no portion of the switch is in electric contact with either of the metallic connecting rivets H6 and III. This lowermost position is defined by abutment of the fold H8 with the bottom wall H9 of the switch casing I and enga ement of the forward face of the projection H3 with the rear face of the lowermost projection H0. It should be noted that in this position of the switch member the entire outer surface of the switch 23 and the bracket 40 are electrically inactive.

In the second position of the switch the actuating member 99 is advanced a short distance towards the swivel head 54 so as to position the projection H3 on the contact strip HI between the two projections H0 on*the strip I 91. This 'position is known as the flash or signal button position and the negative leg of the circuit may be closed in such position by manually depressing the button I08 against the resilient action of the plate II I, thus causing the contact finger H to engage the head on the rivet H8.

The third, or "on position of the switch 23 is assumed by advancing the actuating member 99 still further towards the head 54 so that the projection H3 will lie forwardly of the foremost projection I III. In this position the contact finger H2 will engage the head of the rivet III to complete the circuit between the contact strips 93 and 95.

It should be noted that in any position of the switch in which the negative leg of the circuit is completed the exterior surface of the metal switch 23 and the bracket 40 carry a negative potential.

The permanently closed positive leg of the electrical circuit from the central core electrode of the uppermost cell B to the central tip of the 54, which is midway between the holes 55 on slots I3I in the head 54 at the edges of the recess I29, the ends of said'tongues being folded over and clinched against the interior surface of said head.

A V-shaped contact member I32, aligned with the bulb 62, is supported on the interior surface of the head 54 by the folded over ends I 33 of a pair of tongue members I34 integral with and extending from the central side portion of the contact strip I28, the upper and free leg of the contact member I32 being resiliently urged against the lower tip of the bulb 62. Said tongues I34 also aid in positioning and holding the contact strip I28.

It will be seen that by concealing the post I22 and finger I26 within the bracket 40 no moving part of the electric system except the switch 23 may be tampered with; and the flashlight is thus rendered comparatively foolproof.

In order to easily position the head 54 so that the beam of light reflected from the parabolic reflector 64 may be cast in a straight line coincident with the longitudinal axis of the flashlight casing 24, I provide an indentation I35 in the central portion of the contact strip I28 which is adapted to cooperate with the resiliently pressed finger I26. In this manner a user of the flashlight in rotating the head 54 will feel the finger I26 snap into the indentation I35 when the central point is reached, and will note bulb 62 is formed by .means of the following construction I Supported beneath the bridge 26 by suitable means, as for example a pair of eyelets I20, is a metallic strip I2I which is so disposed that a central portion thereof is in alignment with the central core electrode of the uppermost cell B, against which it is urged by the compression spring 11. A post I22, centrally disposed on the bridge 26 and integral therewith, has its upper end spaced a short distance below the Surface of the spherical head 54 and is provided with a central bore I23 which passes through the bridge 26 and faces against the upper surface of the strip I2I. Another aperture I25, concentric with the bore I23, pierces the top wall of said post I22. Slidably mounted on the bore I23 is a metallic plunger I24 resiliently urged upwardly by a metallic spring I 21 whose lower end presses that a slight additional effort is required to turn the head to either side of said position.

against the upper surface of the strip IZI. Projecting upwardly from said plunger and freely passing through the hole I25 is a metallic contact finger I26 which may be integrally formed with the plunger I 24. To facilitate registry of the spring I21 I form a short projection I241;

on the bottom wall of the plunger I24. Said It will be seen that as the contact strip I28 is in permanent electrical engagement with the central core electrode of-the uppermost cell B, said strip will constantly carry a positive electrical potential.

' I may advantageously employ the electrical positive and negative potentials maintained on the various external metallic elements of the electrical system during operation of the flashlight as an emergency testing device for such objects as electric bulbs, fuses, lamps, circuits, and the like. To use the flashlight for this purpose, the actuating member 99 is advanced to its on" position, closest the head 54, at which time a negative potential will be applied to the switch 23 and bracket 40. The one contact, such as the central contact I40 of the fuse I4I to be tested, is placed against the arcuate contact strip I28 Next the screw shell I42 of said fuse is rested against the bulged portion 46 of the bracket 40. If the fuse is good, it will de-energize the bulb 62 and completely shut oil the light therefrom by short-circuiting the batteries. If the fuse is blown out, it will have no effect on the light. Complete electric circuits, high voltage lamps, and like electrical devices having a relatively low resistance will also aifect the light in the same manner. Flashlight, auto, Christmas tree, and other lamps and devices of low voltage and relatively high resistance, if good, will dim 9 the light of the bulb they will have no effect on the light.

manner by various elements associated with the electrical system, and which may also form part of the negatively'charged metallic surfaces employed for emergency electric testing. Said belt hanger comprises a metallic strip II having a fiat mounting portion I52 thereof resting on and abutting against the lower surface of a recess I531:

formed in the shoulder 25. Extending outwardly from said portion I52 is a clip member. I53 whose 62. If they are not good.

o the surface of said firsthea dportion; v head portion lying onv the-oppositeside'ofysald It should be noted, however, that due to the 3 lower end I54 is resiliently urged against the outer surface of the flashlight. casing 24, Extending inwardly from the flat I52 and connected thereto by an offset I55 is a horizontal portion I56 having an aperture I51 which is snugly received about the post I22. The lower edge of the bulge 46, when the same is assembled with the upper end of the flashlight casing 24, clamps the flat I52 between it and the bottom surface of the recess I53a. It will be clear that in this manner the belt hanger I50 is firmly held at its fulcrum on the fiat portion I52 against the bulge 46 and secured against rotation at its inner end by the post I22.

It is desired to point out that by electrically charging the several metallic parts above noted I am able to test a wide variety of electric devices having terminals spaced apart over a comparatively wide range without resorting to the expedient of an additional connecting wire.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several objects of this invention are achieved, and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use,

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as variou changes might be made in the embodiments above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

. Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In a portable electric flashlight, in combina tion an elongated casing; a pair of rigid standards rigidly and permanently mounted on said casing and extending therefrom; a pair of spaced stationary rigid members between said standards lying on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of said casing; a hollow rigid head including a first portion comprising substantially half of a surface of revolution cut by a plane including the axis of said surface, a second portion, and a third portion intermediate said first and second portions; a lamp bulb in said head adapted to cast a beam transversely to the axis of revolution of said surface; means to pivotally mount said head on said standards for rotation about said axis of revolution; the upper edges of said pair of members being so curved that when said head is positioned to cast a beam of light parallel to the longitudinal axis of said casing, said edges will be slightly and substantially uniformly spaced from cutting plane and .wholly'jwithin "a continuation of said surface o'f'revolution whereby said third head portion clears said curved u'pperedges' upon tion an elongated casing adapted to house a source of electric energy; a pairof electrically conductive rigid standards rigidly. and permanently mounted on said casing and extending therefrom; a pair of spaced stationary rigid members 'between said standards lying on opposite'sides of the longitudinal axis of said casing; a hollow rigid head including a first portion comprising substantially half of a surface of revolution cut by a plane including the axis ofsaid surface, a second 'portion, and a third portion intermediate said first and second portions; a lamp bulb in said head adapted to cast a beam transversely to the axis of revolution of said surface; means to pivotally mount said head on said standards for rotation about said axis of'revolution; the upper edges of said pair of members being so curved that, when said head is positioned to cast a beam of light parallel to the longitudinal axis of said casing, said edges will be slightly and substantially uniformly spaced from the surface of said first head portion; said third head portion lying on the opposite side of said cutting plane and wholly within a continuation of said surface of revolution whereby said third head portion clears said curved upper edges upon rotation of said head to permit full quadrantal rotation thereof to either side of the longitudinal axis of said casing; said second head portion extending beyond said continuation and cooperating with said pair of members to form stop means for predeterminedly limiting rotation of said head; an electric switch carrice, by said casing; and an electric circuit for energizing said lamp bulb, said circuit including said pair of standards, said switch, and said source of electric energy.

3. In a portable electric flashlight, in combination an elongated casing adapted to house a source of electric energy; a pair of electrically conductive rigid standards rigidly and permanently mounted on said casing and extending therefrom; a pair of spaced stationary rigid members between said standards lying on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of said casing; a hollow rigid head of insulating material including a, first portion comprising substantially half of a surface of revolution cut by a plane including the axis of said surface, a second portion, and a third portion intermediate said first and second portions; a lamp bulb in said head adapted to cast a beam transversely to the axis of revolution of said surface; means to pivotally mount said head on said standards for rotation about said axis of revolution; the upper edges of said pair of members being so curved that, when said head is positioned to cast a beam of light par- 11 quadrantal rotation thereof to either side of the longitudinal axis of said casing; said second head portion extending beyond said continuation and cooperating with said pair of members to form stop means for predeterminedly limiting rotation of said head; an arcuate electrically conductive contact strip mounted on said head, said strip being disposed concentric with and in a plane perpendicular to said axi of revolution, the exposed contact surface of said strip lying below the surface of said head; electrically conductive means disposed externally of said casing and resiliently pressed against the contact surface of said strip; an electric switch on said casing; and an electric circuit for energizing said lamp bulb, said circuit including said pair of standards, said switch, said arcuate contact strip, said electrical conductive means, and said source of electric en-' ergy.

4. In a portable electric flashlight, in combination a casing; a bracket rigidly and permanently mounted onsaid casing and extending therefrom,

said bracket including apair of rigid standards of said surface, a second portion, and a third portion intermediate said first and second portions; means to pivotally mount said head on said standards for rotation about said axis of revolution, the upper edges of said pair of webs being so curved that when said head is faced to cast a beam of light parallel to said standard and away from said casing, said edges will be slightly and substantially uniformly spaced from the surface of said first head portion, said third head portion lying on'the opposite side of said cutting plane and wholly within a continuation of said surface of revolution, whereby said third head portion clears said curved upp r edges upon rotation of said head to permit full quadrantal rotation thereabout to either side of said standards, said second head portion extending beyond said continuation and cooperating with said pair of webs to form stop means for predeterminedly limiting rotation of said head.

5. In a portable electric flashlight, in combination an elongated casing adapted to house a source of electric energy; a pair of electrically conductive rigid standards rigidly and permacurved upper edges upon rotation of said head to permit full quadrantal rotation thereof to either side of the longitudinal axis of said casing; said second head portion extending beyond said continuation and cooperating with said pair of members to form stop means for predeterminedly limiting rotation of said head; an arcuate electrically conductive contact strip mounted on said head, said strip being disposed concentric with and in a plane perpendicular to said axis of revolution, the contact surface of said strip lying below the surface of said head; electrically conductive means disposed externally of said casing and resiliently pressed against said strip, said last named means lying between, and being con- -cealed by said members and-said head; an electric switch on saidcasing; and an electric circuit for energizing said lamp bulb, said circuit including said pair of standards, said switch, said arcuate contact strip, said electrically conductive means, and said source of electric energy.

' 6. In a portable electric flashlight, in combination an elongated casing; a pair of rigid standards rigidly and permanently mounted on said casing and extending therefrom; a pair of spaced stationary rigid membersv between said standards lying on opposite sides 'of' the longi- 'tudinal axis of said casing; a hollow rigid head nently mounted on said casing and extending therefrom; a pair of spaced stationary rigid members between said standards lying on uppsite sides of the longitudinal axis of said casing; a hollow rigid head of insulating material including a first portion comprising substantially half of a surface of revolution cut by a plane including the axis of said surface, a second portion, and a third portion intermediate said first and second portions; a lamp bulb in said head adapted to cast a beam transversely to the axis of revolution of said surface; means to pivotally mount said head on said standards for rotation about said axis of revolution; the upper edges of said pair of members being so curved that, when.

including a first portion comprising substantially half of a surface of revolution cut by a plane including the axis of said surface, a second portion, and a third portion intermediate said first and second portions; a lamp bulb in said head adapted to cast a beam transversely to the'axis of revolution of said surface; means to pivotally mount said head on said standards for rotation about said axis of revolution; the upper edges of said pair of members being so curved that, when said head .is positioned to cast a beam of light parallel to the longitudinal'axis of said casing, said edges will be slightly and substantially uniformly spaced from the surface of said first head portion; said third head portion lying on the opposite side of said cutting plane and wholly within a continuation of said surface of revolution whereby said third head portion clears said curved upper edges upon rotation of said head; said third head portion extending an angular distance measured on an arc struck about said axis of revolution equal approximately to half the portion of'said arc intercepted by said pair of stationary members, whereby to permit full quadrantal rotation of said head to either side of the longitudinal axis of said casing; said second head portion extending beyond said continuation and cooperating with said pair of members to form stop means for predeterminedly limiting rotation of said head. I

7. In a portable electric flashlight, in combination an elongated casing; a pair of rigid standards rigidly and permanently mounted on said casing and extending therefrom; a pair of spaced stationary rigid members between said standards "lying on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of said casing; a hollow rigid head having a diameter greater than the diameter of said casing, said head including a first portion comprising substantially half of a surface of revolution cut by a plane including the axis of said surface, a second portion, and a third portion intermediate said first and second portions; a lamp bulb in said head adapted to cast a beam transversely to the axis of revolution of said surface; the ends of said standards being flared outwardly to accommodate said head between them; means to 13 pivotally mount said head on the ends of said standards for rotation about said axis of revolution; the upper edges of said pair of members being so curved that, when said head is positioned to cast a beam of light parallel to the longitudinal axis of said casing, said edges will be slightly and substantially uniformly spaced from the surface of said first head portion; said third head portion lying on the opposite side of said cutting plane and wholly within a continuation of said surface of revolution whereby said third head portion clears said curved upper edges upon rotation of said head to permit full quadrantal rotation thereof to either side of the longitudinal axis of said casing; said second head portion extending beyond said continuation and cooperating with said pair of members to form stop means for predeterminedly limiting rotation of said head.

8. In a portable electric flashlight, a casing; a bracket including a pair of spaced rigid standards mounted on said casing; a rotatable rigid head, means to pivotally mount said head on said standards, said means including a pair of rivets, each of said rivets passing through an aperture in a standard and an aperture in said head, one of the apertures associated with each rivet being oversized; the shanks of said rivets being enlarged in said oversized apertures and lightly, frictionally engaging the walls thereof, the shanks of said rivets firmly, frictionally engaging the other apertures through which they pass.

9. In a portable electric flashlight, a casing: a bracket including a pair of spaced rigid standards mounted on said casing; a rotatable rigid head, means to pivotally mount said head on said standards, said means including a pair of rivets, each of said rivets passing through an aperture in a standard and an apertur in said head; the shank of each rivet firmly, frictionally engaging the aperture in said standard; the apertures in said head being oversized, and the portion of the shank of each rivet disposed in said oversized aperture being enlarged to lightly, frictionally engage the walls thereof.

10. In a portable electric flashlight, in combination a casing, supporting means associated with said casing, a rigid flashlight head of insulating material comprising a hollow body whose exterior is substantially of the shape of a major segment of a surface of revolution, an electric light bulb mounted in said hollow head and adapted, when energized, to cast a beam of light through an aperture in said head where the segment of said surface of revolution terminates, means to pivotally mount said head for rotation on said supporting means about an axis coincident with the axi of revolution of said surface, said supporting means being cut away to permit unimpeded projection of said light beams in any angular position of said head, a segmentally circular contact strip mounted on said head with a portion of said strip opposite said light issuing aperture, said strip being concentric with and in a plane perpendicular to said axis of revolution and lying below said surface of revolution whereby, when said head is turned to an angular position wherein said contact strip is exposed by a cutaway portion of said supporting means, accidental short circuiting through inadvertent contact with said strip will be prevented.

11. In a portable electric flashlight, in combination an elongated casing adapted to house a source of electric energy, supporting means associated with said casing, a flashlight head, an electric light bulb carried by said head, means to pivotally mount said head on said supporting means, an arcuate electrically conductive contact strip carried by said head, said strip being disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of ro-' tation of said head, an electrically conductive contact finger permanently mounted on andextending away from said casing, said finger being slidable parallel to the longitudinal axis of said casing and being concealed laterally of the casing by said supporting means, means to resiliently urge said finger away from said casing. means to limit the movement of said finger away from said casing, said finger being positioned to press against said contact strip in all angular positions of said head, said finger and said strip forming part of one leg of an electric circuit for energizing said bulb from said source of energy, and means to position said head in predetermined angular relationship relative to said casing, said last named means comprising a depression in said strip adapted to receive the tip of said contact finger.

12. In a portable electric flashlight, in combination a casing of electrically non-conductive material, a flashlight head, electrically conductive means for mounting said head for rotation relative to said casing, said means including a pair of integral, parallel, spaced legs received for their full length in and substantially fi ing diametrically opposed, wholly external recesses in said casing whereby said legs are supported for their full length with their outer surfaces lying substantially flush with the outer surface of said casing, and means for permanently securing said legs to said casing.

13. In a portable electric flashlight having an elongated casing, a bracket for pivotally supporting a hollow rigid head on said casing, which said head includes a first portion substantially of the shape of half of a surface of revolution cut by a plane including the axis of revolution of said surface, a second portion extending beyond a continuation of said surface, and a third portion between said first and second portions, said third portion lying on the opposite side of said plane and being wholly within a continuation of said surface; said bracket comprising a pair of rigid standards wherein said head is adapted to be pivotally mounted for rotation about the axis of revolution of said surface, a pair of spaced rigid webs integrally connecting opposite sides of said standards, the upper edges of said webs being so curved that when said head is angularly disposed to face away from said casing, said edges will be uniformly and slightly spaced from the surface of the first portion of said head, said third portion of said head will clear said curved upper edges upon rotation of said head to 'either side, to permit said head t be turned quadrantally to opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of said casing, and said connecting webs will abut said second portion on opposite sides thereof to define the extreme rotational positions of said head, and means for attaching said bracket to said casing.

14. In a portable electric flashlight having an elongated casing, a bracket for pivotally supporting a hollow rigid head on said casing, which said head includes a first portion substantially of the shape of half of a surface of revolution cut by a plane including the axis of revolution of said surface, a second portion extending beyond a continuation of said surface, and a third portion 15 between said first and second portions, said third portion lying on the opposite side of said plane and being wholly within a continuation of said surface; said bracket comprising a pair of rigid standards wherein said head is adapted to be pivotally mounted for rotation about the axis of revolution of said surface, a pair of spaced rigid webs integrally connecting opposite sides of said standards, the upper edges of said webs being so curved that when said head is angularly disposed to face away from said casing, said edges will be uniformly and slightly spaced from the surface of the first portion of said head, said third portion of said head will clear said curved upper edges upon rotation of said head to either side, to permit said head to be turned quadrantally to opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of said casing, and said connecting webs will abut said second portion on opposite sides thereof to define the extreme rotational positions of said head, and means for attaching said bracket to I said casing, said last named means including -a pair of integral legs aligned with said standards and adapted to be received in recesses in said 'casing with the entire length of said legs on'the' ex-= terior of said caslng.'- 7

15. For use in a portable electric flashlight of hollow head of insulating material, a lamp'sup-i the inner surface of said head, and means to permanently secure said strip to said head, said means comprising an electrically conductive memberlwbich also secures said terminal contacting member to said head.

16. In a portable electric flashlight, a

trically conductive material for rotatably supporting said head relative to said casing, means including an electric switch to optionally energize said lamp and thereby apply potential to said bracket opposite in nature to the potential applied to said strip, said bracket having a portion of appreciable length in the plane of said strip, said portion being angularly disposed relative to said strip. a major portion of said strip being exposed in all angular positions of said head, an edge of said portion being disposed a short distance away from said strip whereby electric devices having variously spaced permanent terminals may be tested.

'18. In a swivel head flashlight of the character described wherein a post is disposed on 9, casing and wherein bracket means rotatably support a head, a belt hanger having a resilient gripping portion and a mounting portion, said post being snugly received in an aperture in said mounting portion, said mounting portion being disposed between said casing and'said' bracket the character described, a rotatably' mounted I hollow rigid head adapted to be pivotally mounted on a pair of spaced rigid standards supported on a casing and having a'pair of spaced stationary rigid members therebetween, and which mem-, bers have upper curved edges and lie on opposite sides of said standards; said head including a first portion comprising substantially half-of a surface of revolution out by aplane including the axis of revolution of said surface, a second portion, and a third portion intermediate said first and second portions; said surface of revoe lution being of such curvature that when said head is faced to cast a beam of light parallel to said standardsand away from said casing, the curved edges of said pair of spaced members will be slightly and substantially uniformly spaced from the surface of said first head portion; said third head portion lying on the opposite side of said cutting plane and wholly within a continuation of said surface of revolution, whereby said .third head portion clears said curved edges upon rotation thereof to permit full quadrantal rotation thereof to either side of said standards; said second head portion extending beyond said continuation and being adapted to cooperate with said pair of members to form stop means for predeterminedly limiting rotationof said head.

'with the axis of revolution of said head, means to permanently energize said strip from one terso as to fulcrum against said bracket when said gripping'portion is employed.

r 19. a portable electric flashlight having an elongated casing, a'hollow rigid head of electrically non-conductive material adapted to be pivotally mounted between a pair of spaced rigid standards associated with the flashlight casing,

' saidstandards having a pair "of spaced station-- ary rigid members therebetweemsaid head comprising a -major segment of a sphere and a said segment, the upper edges of said member having a configuration conforming closely to the configuration of said segn'i'ent and slightlyclearing the outer'surface-of said segment as'said head is pivoted on said standards to permit full quadrantal rotation of said head to either side of the longitudinal axis of said casing, and said top being adapted to cooperate with said memmm to' form stop means for predeterminedly limiting rotation of said head; 7

20. In a portable electric flashlight having an ,elongated, casing, abracket for pivotally supporting-a-hollow rigid head on said casing which head'includes-a major segment of a sphere having a cylindrical plinth-like top projecting from.

the termination of said segment and extending beyond a continuationthereof, said bracket comprising a pair of rigid standards between which said head is adapted to be pivotally mounted for rotation about a diameter of said sphere perpendicular to the axis of revolution of said top and a pair of spaced rigid webs running between opposite sides of said standards, the upper edges of said webs being curved to impart thereto a configuration conforming closely to the configuration of said segment so that as the head is turned said segment will uniformly clear said edges to permit full quadrantal rotation thereof to either side 01' the longitudinal axis of said casing, said webs abutting diametrically opposed portions of said top to define the extreme rotational positions of said head.

2l. In a portable electric flashlight, in combination an elongated casing. a pair of rigid standards on said casing and extending there- !0 from, a pair of spaced stationary rigid members runnlngbetween said standards and lying on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of said casing. a hollow rigid head of electrically non-conductive material in the shape of a major segminal of said source of power, a bracket of elecment of a-sphere having a cylindrical plinth-like top projecting from the termination of said segment and extending beyond a continuation thereof, means to pivotally mount said head on said standards for rotation about a diameter 01' said sphere perpendicular to the axis of revolution of said top, the upper edges of said members being curved to impart thereto a configuration conforming closely to the configuration of said segment so that as said head is turned said segment will uniformly clear said edges to permit full quadrantal rotation thereof to either side of the longitudinal axis of said casing, diametrically opposed portions of said top abutting said members to form stop means for predeterminedly limiting rotation ofsaid head.

22. In a portable electric flashlight, in combination an elongated casing includin a bracket extending therefrom, said bracket including a pair of rigid standards and a pair of spaced stationary rigid webs extending between said standgo 18 ards, a hollow rigid head in the shape 01' a major segment of a surface of revolution terminating beyond the axis otrevolution or said surface, means to plvotally mount said head on said standards for rotation about said axis of revolution, the upper edges of said pair of webs being curved to impart thereto a configuration conforming closely to theconflguration of said segment so that, when said head is faced to cast a beam of light parallel to said standards and away from said casing, said edges will be slightly and substantially uniformly spaced from said surface of revolution whereby said head is free to rotate so as to cast said beam of light quadrantally to either side of said standards, and cooperating means on said casing and head to predeterminedly limit rotation of said head to either side of said standards.

BERNARD FRANCIS MULDOON. 

